An adorable baby koala was freezing to death. Temperatures at night can get very low in the harsh Australian outback. And the poor little guy could have died without help. But the koala's rescuer is the real surprise. Because every now and then, nature needs a little help from one of humanity's favorite animal friends...

Koalas Are Amazing

There are few creatures quite as cuddly and lovably as koalas. Something about their big round noses and chubby faces just makes them a joy to behold.

A Dangerous Life

Image By: Koala Rescue Queensland Inc

Unfortunately, though, in a country like Australia, Koalas often run into danger. Not only do they have to contend with man-made obstacles like cars, but even the natural environment is out to get them.

The Great Rescue

Image By: Koala Rescue Queensland Inc

Such was the case for one baby koala who recently ran into trouble. Abandoned and alone, the poor little thing would have frozen to death, were it not for a friendly rescuer.

Kerry McKinnon's Story

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Caters News/Kerry McKinnon

Kerry McKinnon from Strathdownie in Western Victoria recently witnessed an unexpected scene when a tiny baby koala appeared in the early hours of the morning. The surprising thing was where it was hiding.

Koala's Best Friend

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Caters News/Kerry McKinnon

The McKinnons have a pair of lovely golden retrievers. These dogs have big, thick fur which helps them to tolerate the cool conditions that come at night in Victoria.

An Unexpected Visitor

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Caters News/Kerry McKinnon

One morning, the McKinnons spotted an unexpected sight. When her husband called her to look out the window, Kerry didn't spot what was interesting at first. Then, she saw what was sat on top of one of the dogs.

Huddling for Warmth

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Caters News/Kerry McKinnon

There, on top of the dog's head, was a tiny baby koala. This poor little guy was very small, and his short fur meant that he really wasn't equipped to bear the cold nighttime temperatures alone.

A Cosy Place to Stay

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Caters News/Kerry McKinnon

The dog was clearly intrigued by the small new houseguest, but wasn't trying to shake him off. This tiny koala was very welcome to share a little body hear and stay warm, snuggled up in the golden retriever's fur.

A Literal Life Saver

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Caters News/Kerry McKinnon

The dog definitely saved the poor koala's life. He was too small and weak to be without his mother, and even if the temperature didn't kill him, another wild animal, like a fox, could well have finished the job.

Safe and Sound

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Caters News/Kerry McKinnon

The koala has since been taken to the vet and passed on to a sanctuary. The plan is to eventually return him to the wild. But he's not the only koala that's needed rescuing in the past few years.

Sweater Vests Look Good on Anyone

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

This very dapper koala had the misfortune to be hit by two different cars on the road. Thankfully, the snappy dresser was successfully rescued, and recovered just fine.

Stuck Tight

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Twitter/SAPowerNetworks

Another koala who needed a little help managed to get their head stuck in a metal fence. Eventually, some kind humans were able to help, but this isn't even the most embarassing part of the story...

Third Time's the Charm

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Twitter/SAPowerNetworks

This was actually the third time that the koala had managed to get wedged in this particular fence. It does seem a shame that this man-made structure has clearly made life so difficult for such an adorable animal.

All in a Day's Work

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Koala Rescue Queensland Inc

These kinds of adventures are a daily occurance for staff at Koala Rescue Queensland. There's always an adorable marsupial to get out of trouble.

You Came to the Wrong Neighborhood

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Koala Rescue Queensland Inc

Sometimes, a koala will end up in the wrong tree, and for its own safety, the rescue team will have to move it out of harm's way. For all that Australia is full of deadly wildlife, nobody makes more trouble for the locals than humans.

Humans to the Rescue

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Koala Rescue Queensland Inc

Thankfully, while humans are constantly getting in the way of koala fun, rescue teams are on-hand to do the heavy lifting needed to get these creatures to safety. Even if getting them into transport cages can be a bit of a challenge.

Run Free

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Koala Rescue Queensland Inc

Returning a koala to the wild can be a challenge, depending on how long it's been in captivity. If it's only had a few days of human treatment, it'll adjust without challenge, but in the case of the McKinnon's visitor, the process might be more difficult.

Misgivings

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Koala Rescue Queensland Inc

This particular koala seems a little hesitant about returning to the wild. Several experts are on hand to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Tree Hugging

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Koala Rescue Queensland Inc

Thankfully, instinct takes over eventually. If there's one thing koalas know, it's how to climb.

Good Luck, Koalas

ADVERTISEMENT

Image By: Koala Rescue Queensland Inc

Koalas are going to keep running afoul of both natural and manmade dangers across Australia. It's good to know that there are people (and dogs) who are happy to look out for their well-being.